RAYONG, Thailand – Blackchin tilapia, an invasive alien species, has spread to the coastal waters of Phla Beach in Rayong’s Ban Chang district, causing concern among local residents after fish were caught carrying large numbers of eggs in their mouths. The fish were discovered at the junction where the Phla canal connects to the beach. Local residents caught adult blackchin tilapia and found numerous eggs inside their mouths, ready to hatch. The discovery highlights the species’ ability to tolerate salinity and adapt quickly to seawater. In response, local youths and residents gathered near the canal bridge with fishing rods to help reduce the population. Local children expressed awareness of the issue, noting the threat the fish poses to the environment.
A local resident expressed deep concern over the rapid reproduction of the species. Residents fear that if the fish escape into the deep sea and prey on juvenile fish and commercial marine life, native species in Rayong could face extinction, directly impacting the local fishing industry. “We are worried they will go into the sea and eat the marine fish that fishermen catch,” a local resident said. “These blackchin tilapia reproduce very fast; they multiply into thousands or tens of thousands in no time. Relevant environmental authorities need to take this seriously because they are everywhere now. The marine fish are disappearing, and now there is only blackchin tilapia.” Residents are calling on relevant government agencies to urgently implement concrete eradication plans in Rayong Province before the marine ecosystem suffers irreversible damage. (TNA)
